The conservation of agrobiodiversity on-farm: questioning the emerging paradigm

Wood, D and Lenné, J M (1997) The conservation of agrobiodiversity on-farm: questioning the emerging paradigm. Biodiversity and Conservation, 6 (1). pp. 109-129. ISSN 0960-3115

PDF - Published Version Restricted to ICRISAT users only Download (240kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The genetic diversity of traditional varieties of crops is the most economically valuable part of global biodiversity and is of paramount importance for future world crop production. The Biodiversity Convention has given a clear mandate for on-farm conservation. However, very little formal research has been done and no agreed set of scienti®c principles yet exists for on-farm conservation of genetic resources. This lack of scienti®c knowledge has not prevented an explosion of recommendations on how to conserve agrobiodiversity on-farm and it is possible to identify an emerging paradigm. Through a review of some of the assumptions on which this paradigm is based, we clearly show that if attempts to conserve agrobiodiversity on-farm are based on these misconceptions, they are likely to fail. By assessing the present activities of farmers, we propose a research agenda to increase the diversity available to farmers and to enhance farmers' capacity to manage this diversity dynamically. Increasing genetic diversi®cation, combined with farmers' experimental abilities, and underpinned by the formal system, will ensure greater on-farm conservation of more useful genetic resources.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
Depositing User:	Library ICRISAT
Date Deposited:	28 Dec 2011 08:25
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2011 08:25
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/5097
Official URL:	Http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1018331800939
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	UNSPECIFIED
Links:	Author

View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item